2014 Year of Transit Action Builds Rider Support across North America
Detroit, MI - Democratic gubernatorial candidate, Mark Schauer; Democratic congressional candidates, Rep. John Conyers, and Rudy Hobbs; Democratic senatorial candidate, Rep. Gary Peters; Democratic candidate for Wayne County Executive Warren Evans; and Mayor Mike Duggan’s chief of staff, Lisa Howze; joined transit workers, riders, and advocates rallied at the Detroit Rosa Parks Transit Center in support of more, better and safer public transit.
“We need more elected officials like these to stand with us in support of increased funding for public transit to ensure stronger communities,” says Fred Westbrook, president of the Amalgamated Transit Union Local 26, representing Detroit transit workers. “Here in Detroit and in cities and towns across the nation, riders are joining the national movement to increase investment in public transportation. They know that we get them to their jobs by doing our job.”
The effort is part of the Year of Transit Action during which rallies and activities will be held across the country at local bus depots, stations, and community venues to enlist riders in a campaign to increase funding for public transit.
“Public transportation in the United States plays a critical role in our nation’s solutions to energy, and environmental challenges. Public transit not only provides jobs but also saves fuel, and reduces our carbon footprint. Individuals, families, communities, and businesses all benefit from expanded public transit services,” says gubernatorial candidate Mark Schauer.